FAQ AUTOBrine® Systems

How long has the company been installing AutoBrine® Systems?

Since 1989, over 200 systems have been installed and over 98% are still in operation today.

What volume of salt use warrants a system?

Annual usage above 24 tons provides the best justification to install a system. However, some customers with less volume have installed the system for safety and environmental reasons. If you are interested in what size system you would need, see www.AutoBrine.com/systemsize.html

Do you need a permit to install an AutoBrine® System?

No municipality has ever required a permit. If a permit was required, the Cope Company Salt would handle the submissions.

How long does it take to install a system?

Typically it takes 3-7 business days to install a system. It could take longer if there are multiple systems to connect or a long distance of piping required.

Does an AutoBrine® System change the operation of the water softeners?

A water softener has a day tank where salt is combined with water before it is drawn into the water softener. The AutoBrine® System connects with your existing day tank, not the water softener, so there is no impact on your water softener.

Is the scale on your truck registered with the state?

The scale is a patented scale that is registered with DOT and is calibrated by a third party every six months.

How often does the AutoBrine® tank need to be cleaned?

The Cope Company Salt will take care of cleaning the tank when needed. The frequency is based on salt usage. Based on a typical use of salt, the tank will need to be cleaned every 2-3 years.

Has an AutoBrine® tank ever leaked?

We have never had a tank leak. We have had a pipe break due to an unrelated sinkhole that developed. Brine is a non-hazardous material, so recovery of material is not needed or required.

How does the price for loose salt/brine compare to the price of bagged salt?

Price will depend on your volume and location. Some customers achieve a cost savings in salt, and all customers achieve a cost savings in labor and waste as well as improved safety and environmental impact.

What is brine?

Brine is water saturated with a salt, usually sodium chloride. It can be used in the water-softening process or pre-wetting process to prevent ice and snow from adhering to a sidewalk or roadway.

Is brine considered a hazardous material?

Sodium is found naturally in the earth and oceans, and is not considered a hazardous material.

Will brine freeze in my outside tank?

Brine in thin layers will start to freeze at 15° F, but due to the volume of brine in the tank and the movement created from drawing into the day tank, much colder temperatures for a long period of time would be required. Since 2007, when we started installing the above-ground liquid system, we have not had any system freeze. If this a concern, heat wraps can be installed.